Introduction
Transform ordinary chicken and shrimp into an extraordinary weeknight meal with this lightning-fast stir-fry! Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is your new go-to for healthy and delicious dinners that won’t steal your precious time. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to flavorful, satisfying meals, even on the busiest of days!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because of its incredible balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The quick cooking method ensures tender chicken and juicy shrimp, while the vibrant vegetables add a delightful crunch. It’s also incredibly adaptable – feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or add a protein of choice! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe proves that healthy and delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 🍤 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🥦 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 🥕 1 cup sliced carrots
- 🫑 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 🧅 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌶️ 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (or to taste)
- 🍯 2 tablespoons honey
- 🍶 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 🍚 3 cups cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep your ingredients: Cut the chicken and veggies. Mince the garlic. This takes less than 5 minutes!
2️⃣ Stir-fry the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Stir-fry the shrimp: Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4️⃣ Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the broccoli and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
5️⃣ Combine and simmer: Return the chicken and shrimp to the skillet. Add the sriracha, honey, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, until heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6️⃣ Serve: Serve immediately over cooked rice.
Handy Tips
- Use pre-cut vegetables to save even more time!
- Marinating the chicken for 15-30 minutes beforehand will enhance the flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when stir-frying; this will lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of stir-frying.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is crucial for this recipe. It ensures that the chicken and shrimp cook quickly without burning, while also allowing the vegetables to soften without becoming mushy. If the heat is too low, the cooking time will increase significantly. Adjust as needed based on your stovetop.
Crunch Factor
The key to a satisfying crunch in this stir-fry is to not overcook the vegetables. Stir-fry them quickly over medium-high heat to retain their crisp texture. The broccoli florets should be tender-crisp, and the carrots and bell pepper should have a slight bite.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce.
- Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken the sauce even more.
- Add a handful of cashews or peanuts for extra crunch and protein.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This stir-fry makes a fantastic gift for friends and family! Package it in individual containers for easy transport and a thoughtful presentation. A handwritten recipe card adds a personal touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Lemon Ginger: Add 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and the zest and juice of 1 lemon to the sauce.
🌟 Peanut Sauce: Substitute peanut butter for the honey and add a splash of rice vinegar.
🌟 Teriyaki: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce and honey.
🌟 Spicy Garlic: Add extra minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Troubleshooting
- Dry chicken: If your chicken is dry, you may have overcooked it. Ensure you’re cooking it over medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Overcooked vegetables: If your vegetables are mushy, you may have cooked them for too long or used too low of a heat.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the skillet.
- Can I substitute other proteins? Yes, tofu, beef, or pork would also work well.
- What kind of rice is best? White rice is a classic choice, but brown rice or even quinoa would also be delicious.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients ahead of time but it’s best to cook and serve this stir-fry immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Quick & Easy Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry is the perfect solution for busy weeknights! It’s healthy, delicious, and ready in a flash. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy the delicious results! Happy cooking!
30-Minute Chicken & Shrimp Stir-Fry: Busy Weeknight Winner
A quick and delicious stir-fry featuring tender chicken and succulent shrimp, packed with vibrant vegetables and tossed in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch to create the sauce. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until they turn pink.
- Toss in the mixed bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Pour the sauce over the stir-fry, mixing well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Tips
- Prep all ingredients before starting to cook for a seamless cooking experience.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preference.